Circus World

I took the kiddos to Circus World today - our first time of the season.  I got an annual pass last summer when we moved here and came a few times, though I wasn't thrilled about the show (a few risqué moments).  But because there aren't very many playmates around and very few activities for 3 year olds, I decided to try it again this summer.  And it was awesome!  The show was much more family-friendly and we all had a ball.  Last year I had to watch Solei like a hawk because her little 2 year-old legs would want to run away when she got bored, but she sat there like a trooper, cheering and laughing the whole hour-long show.  And Forster??  I don't know how on earth we got this lucky, but when a baby is mobile and knows it (and he's taken a few steps and keeps trying to take MORE) they don't sit in a mommy's arms very well for very long, but dear Forster loved all the attention.  He flirted with the people behind us, danced to the music, giggled at and babbled on to me the whole time, never getting cranky.

I wondered while I watched the show if I was spoiling my kids - taking them to the circus all summer whenever we wanted.  That just sounds extravagant, right?  (Although it's pretty dang cheap, kids 5 and under are free and my adult pass was $14.95, with an additional $10 for the annual pass, so our summer of fun costs a cool $25) But as we walked across the bridge over the Baraboo river - gorgeous view, by the way - it occurred to me that it's not very often a kid gets to live 3 minute drive from the Circus World museum.  And we won't live here forever - so might as well snag some awesome memories while we have the chance.

So if y'all come to visit, we're totally taking you.  Although there is one snag - the clown this year is a GIRL.  And Solei is head over heels for her - can't stop talking about her hero, Jessi the clown.  It's only a matter of time before she decides SHE could be a clown and tries to run off with the circus.  Not a far fetched notion either, what with the circus being just down the road...